Should growers be treating their fields more like golf courses? A common solution to this problem in golf courses is the application of products known as soil wetting agents that reduce the surface tension of soil.

“I’m an optimist, but I have seen fields overrun by kochia, and last year we learned that we have Palmer amaranth and waterhemp,” says Dr. Albert Adjesiwor, University of Idaho Extension weed scientist in Kimberly.

Profitability maps can be helpful for determining the relative extent to which different areas in a field are profitable or not, which can provide insights regarding whether there are any actions that can be taken to increase profitability in lagging areas.

The Idaho Barley Commission Endowed Barley Agronomy program has been researching sustainable barley and wheat production strategies, focusing on nutrient management practices for improved yield, quality, and soil and water health in both irrigated and dryland settings.

Despite a late spring, early-season hail damage and late-season rains, the 2023 barley crop in Idaho had a record-breaking year for average yield, making it the second-largest harvest in the state’s history.

“Say a guy over here is offering [a price] for this protein, or a guy over there's offering [a different price] for a little lower protein. If you know what you have, you can go different directions with it,” Dustin says. “It's always smarter to know what you have in a bin.”

Harvest season is still a little ways away, but it’s never too early to get your grain cart ready for this year’s haul. Addressing the maintenance needs of your combine is typically the first line of business for most farmers, but don’t forget about your grain cart.